HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2021-044Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2021-597
File ID: AB2021-597 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 10/12/2021 Entered by: DBrown@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Final Action: 10/12/2021
Agenda Date: 10/12/2021 Enactment#: RES 2021-044
Primary Contact Email: SSidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution requesting a Presidential Executive Order to open the border to allow access to Canadian
property owner in Point Roberts USA
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Resolution requesting a Presidential Executive Order to open the border to allow access to Canadian
property owner in Point Roberts USA
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
10/12/2021 Council APPROVED
Aye: 7 Browne, Buchanan, Byrd, Donovan, Elenbaas, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 0
Absent: 0
Attachments: Proposed Resolution
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 10/1312021
PROPOSED BY: Executive
INTRODUCTION DATE: October 12, 2021
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-044
REQUEST FOR A PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER TO OPEN THE BORDER
TO ALLOW ACCESS TO CANADIAN PROPERTY OWNER IN POINT ROBERTS
USA
WHEREAS, Point Roberts, Washington, is a 5-square mile exclave in the northwest corner of
Whatcom County that is bordered on three sides by water and the Canadian border to the north;
and,
WHEREAS, as a result of the restriction of discretionary travel starting in March 2020, the
exclave of Point Roberts has been severely impacted by the inability of Canadian property
owners to enter Point Roberts through the Point Roberts/Boundary Bay border crossing; and,
WHEREAS, approximately 75% of residences in Point Roberts are owned by Canadian
nationals who have been unable to access these residences since March 2020; and,
WHEREAS, these Canadian property owners continue to pay property taxes to Whatcom
County on their residences, as well as monthly charges for water service and refuse disposal,
which they are unable to use due to their restricted access to Point Roberts through the U.S.
border crossing; and,
WHEREAS, the livelihoods of the remaining 25% property owner, who are US Citizens
permanently residing in Point Roberts, has been negatively impacted because of lack of
economic activity generated by cross -border travel; and,
WHEREAS, the closure of businesses and curtailing of economic activity in Point Roberts has
severely diminished the quality of life of permanent residents and threatened their ability to
access essential goods and services; and,
WHEREAS, Canadian property owners have been working for over a year with elected officials
on both sides of the border to establish standards for safe and efficient passage into Point Roberts
and these border protocols can be implemented immediately when they receive the endorsement
of the U.S. government; and,
WHEREAS, the proposal for "narrow and tailored exceptions" for border crossings into Point
Roberts by Canadian property owners was set forth by U.S. Senator Patty Murray in a speech on
the Senate floor on September 23, 2021; and,
WHEREAS; allowing Canadian property owners vehicular access to Point Roberts through the
U.S. border crossing for the purposes of attending to their properties fits the criteria for a
"narrow and tailored exception" and will allow property owners to repair and maintain their
homes, which have been neglected for the past 18 months; and
WHEREAS, Canada has allowed Americans in Point Roberts to cross at the Boundary Bay
border into Tsawwassen, B.C. since August 6, 2021 and a similar policy would be a
fair, practical and compassionate solution for both jurisdictions;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Whatcom County Council endorses these
"narrow and tailored" exceptions for Canadian property owners to enter Point Roberts and
requests Washington lawmakers, including our Congressional delegation and Governor, to
request President Biden to sign an Executive Order, allowing Canadian property owners
vehicular access to Point Roberts, Washington, providing they meet the standards now in place
for air and water access.
APPROVED this 12th day of October 12021
\0q%%MM111PdspAP
ATT I4� C/a�d Fd
d C0
Dana Bro", dZ)0 p
Clei "of the�Cdiiricil
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
l�
Ba uchanan,
Council Chair
Is/Christopher Quinn (approved via e-mal) /JL
Civil Deputy Prosecutor